VIETNAM: NEW ERA

At the invitation of Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, accompanied by his spouse and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will attend the 55th annual WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and conduct bilateral activities in Switzerland on January 21-22. The 55th WEF meeting, themed “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age," will run from January 20-24.

Vietnam is accelerating momentum in digital transformation. However, the cumbersome and multi-layered organisational structure remains a major bottleneck, hindering further progress.

As Vietnam is preparing a firm foundation to confidently enter a new era, State President Luong Cuong has called on Vietnamese people, both at home and abroad, to join hands in this great journey.

In 2024, Vietnamese investors launched 164 new projects and made 26 capital adjustments abroad. Vietnam’s total overseainvestment reached nearly 665 million USD, up 57.7% compared to 2023.  

At the invitation of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pays an official visit to the Czech Republic from January 18 to 20, 2025. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic (February 2, 1950 – February 2, 2025). Building on the foundation of 75 years of diplomatic ties, the visit is expected to serve as a catalyst for elevating the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

Party General Secretary To Lam on January 19 hosted a reception for 100 overseas Vietnamese representatives from more than 40 countries and territories, who are in Vietnam to attend the 2025 “Xuan Que huong” (Homeland Spring) organised by the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese.

The Lunar New Year 2025 tourism season has seen exceptional growth. Accommodation searches from international tourists for Vietnam have surged by 139%.

The tourism industry will accelerate the application of digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart platforms to boost growth in the coming period to develop a smart tourism ecosystem.

Vietnam, an emerging financial centre, is seizing a “golden opportunity” to become a competitive player in the international financial arena with progressive legal frameworks and standout initiatives, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.

Vietnam has cemented its position as an attractive destination for foreign businesses looking to expand their operations in Southeast Asia, driven by robust growth and expanding infrastructure.

In 2024, Vietnam saw over 157,200 newly registered businesses and nearly 76,200 businesses resuming operation, bringing the total number of new and revived businesses to over 233,400, a 7.1% increase compared to 2023.

Vietnam and India have long maintained a strong and sustainable relations, built on a shared historical foundation, cultural exchanges, and common strategic interests.

A warm Tet celebration was held on January 13-14 for residents of Bach Long Vi island district in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the Red River Delta and Hanoi to play a pioneering role in propelling the nation into a new era of growth and prosperity while chairing the fifth conference of the Red River Delta Coordinating Council in Hanoi on January 14.

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable sector aims to achieve 8 billion USD in export revenue in 2025, building on significant market expansion and sound growth, according to the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetables Association (VINAFRUIT).

Argentine media has lauded Vietnam’s landmark decision to establish an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City – the nation’s economic and commercial powerhouse, marking a pivotal shift in the Government’s economic development strategy.

Every lunar new year, Sinh village in the central city of Hue comes alive with vibrant energy, as the nearly 450-year-old tradition of folk painting takes center stage. These iconic artworks are more than just a testament to artistic craftsmanship. They're a profound reflection of the region's spiritual and cultural identity, making Sinh Village a unique gem of the ancient capital.

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 17.6 million international visitors, marking a 39.5% increase compared to the previous year. The figure is equivalent to 97.6% of the total in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A decision on the formation of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation was announced at a national conference held by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat in Hanoi on January 13 morning.

Vietnam continues to solidify its position as one of the world's leading exporters of agro-forestry-fishery products, achieving an export turnover of 62.4 billion USD in 2024, an 18.5% increase compared to 2023.